No strangers to the unconventional, the Rockies announced today that they have hired Mark Wiley for their newly-created position of director of pitching operations.

Wiley worked as a scout with the Marlins this year and has previously served as pitching coach with the Orioles, Indians, Marlins and Royals. He’s had two previous stints with the Rockies, first as senior director of player personnel in 2000 and as a special baseball operations assistant from November 2005 through 2007.

Troy Renck of the Denver Postnotes that Wiley will oversee pitching throughout the organization in his new position and will also have significant input on who the Rockies hire as their next pitching coach.

Pitching has always been an issue at Coors Field and it was especially problematic this year, as the Rockies ranked last in the majors in both team ERA (5.22) and rotation ERA (5.81). The club implemented a four-man rotation in mid-June and limited their starters to around 75 pitches, but they are expected to return to a more traditional five-man rotation next season.